As we get closer to that time again and old man winter is upon us we all need to sharpen up on what we may face on and off the roads and be aware of these big tonka-toys that run 24 hr's a day. Up North these trucks are very well known and down South we see more sand trucks. As everyone knows preventive maintenance on our rescue tools should be a priority and not forget our trucks and if your run chains or some type of insta chains. Public Awareness cant say that enough!!!!

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As you can see in this picture it is just a small fender bender, but even the smallest mva's can be life threating.
Some of the things to express to your emergency personal and to your public is plow drivers allot of the time cant see directly behind these big rigs, thats Y allot of the time there are signs on the back and advise to keep back a certain amount of feet, those signs are there for a reason as you can see in the above picture...


Night time poses a huge risk to the everyone, not just to the public but to ourselves to. Up Norh there can be total white out conditions and with that being said traffic will come to almost a hault and these big trucks will still be doing there job just at a slow pace, so we as emergency personal and our drivers need thank safety and be aware.
Some of the places you will need to watch for are major interstates, ramps on and off roads and authorized vehicle only turnarounds.


Like the old saying go's if you cant see thru it dont drive in it. And what this is referring to is never drive thru a snow cloud or white out conditions. you cant be sure if such conditions are caused by crosswinds or by a snowplow, Just be patient and not end up as a patient...
Something to remember snowplow operators are very safety - conscious, but they need everyones help. Stay back and let them do there job safely. Dont take a chance..Dont crowd the plow.
A few tips to train your department with are:

1. Yield to snowplows, They travel slower than posted speeds.
2. Give snowplow drivers plenty of room to do their jobs.
3. Never drive into a snow cloud, even as fireman we are not bullet proof.
4. Slow Down, and never use cruise control on wet or icy roads.
5. Stay Alert! A snowplow weighs 17 times more then an ordinary car.
6. Be patient. Follow at a safe distance. Allow at least five car lengths between your vehicle or apparatus and the snow plow.


Lets stop and thank about this picture, what we have here is a snow plow in a sink hole or found a lake or pond...From the folks up north how about some insight on what will need to be done if you have a patient (The Driver) to rescue. Keep in mind we have freezeing temp's, very cold water and road side hazards...Lots of things to keep in mind.


Your very right Dave, here is a picture to go along with what you have said...Job well done brother..


Not only do we need to have in the back of our minds accidents with these types of units but also freezing temperatures that one might need water suppression. On scene safety is the up most importance, shut down roads and divert traffic... worry about circulation of water thru your pumps. and not to exclude power poles...

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